Islamabad: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Monday called for a fundamental reevaluation of humanity’s engagement with the oceans, emphasizing the need for immediate collective efforts to safeguard marine resources amid increasing environmental challenges.

According to Press Information Department, on World Oceans Day, observed under the theme “REIMAGINE: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean,” Junaid Chaudhry stressed that oceans are essential life-support systems influencing air, food, and climate. He advocated for ocean literacy as a means to bolster climate resilience, urging a shift from awareness to action in protecting and restoring oceans as a shared global responsibility.

The minister underscored efforts to expand coastal conservation, such as a weekly cleanup initiative by the Karachi Port Trust aimed at reducing marine waste and enhancing harbor sustainability. Efforts are also underway to restore degraded coastal zones and improve marine biodiversity. Mangrove restoration is highlighted as central to the coastal resilience strategy due to their role as carbon sinks, storm buffers, and nurseries for fish.

Chaudhry commended community-led projects, notably those by young environmental activist Almas Qasmani, founder of Saltwater Marina in Rehri Goth, Karachi. Qasmani’s contributions to mangrove conservation, biodiversity documentation, eco-tourism, and youth plantation drives were recognized with her nomination as a “KPT Ambassador.”

Citing global scientific findings, Chaudhry referred to United Nations Environment Programme assessments warning that oceans, vital climate regulators, face severe stress from climate change, biodiversity loss, and emissions. He pointed out the growing adaptation finance gaps and risks for coastal communities in developing countries, including Pakistan.

Chaudhry also noted opportunities for international cooperation, such as the EU’s OceanEye initiative, which aims to enhance ocean observation and maritime environmental management. He stated that Pakistan could benefit from improved data sharing and marine innovation partnerships. Chaudhry urged stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society to transform commitments into tangible actions to secure the future of coastal economies.